From: Interfaith Working Group
Subject: IWG: Matthew Shepard, Miami Herald
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:29:08 -0400 (EDT)
October 14, 1998
Miami Herald
1 Herald Plaza
Miami, FL 33132
Dear Editors:
Your October 13 editorial about Matthew Shepard and the
causes of anti-gay violence missed a point which was
underscored by an article the same day about the
Christian Coalition opposing inclusion of sexual
orientation in anti-discrimination laws. This position
and others taken by the Christian Coalition and other
organizations involved in the national anti-gay ad
campaign imply that sexual minorities are condemned by
God and all religious institutions, are a threat to
society, are without any support from heterosexuals,
and are undeserving of equal treatment under the law.
Moral people who believe otherwise need to stand with
those who are systematically oppressed and speak out
against violence and discrimination.
Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators
The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and
organizations and 59 clergy from 16 religious traditions. If you are in
the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious
organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths
are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in
other areas.
--
Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations
iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the
215-235-3050 separation of church and state.